Daiso S’pore Fanatics Rush To Stock Up Ahead Of Announced Price Hike On May 1
After offering an “always $2” concept since it first opened here, Daiso Singapore is raising its prices amidst global inflation. The lifestyle goods chain recently announced that it will start charging GST separately for its items from May 1, which means you should expect to pay more when shopping at its outlets.
15-tier pricing system
Other than an additional GST charge, the chain is also implementing a 15-tier price chart, with products ranging from $2.14 (with 7 per cent GST) to $25.47. This tiered pricing is not new since Daiso introduced its Threeppy concept in 2019 (which offers premium items at higher prices). But what took Daiso regulars by surprise was the price increase for the shop’s products that come with a ¥200 tag. Instead of the usual $2, the items will be priced at $4.07 (inclusive of GST) from May 1.
Long queues at Daiso outlets
Unsurprisingly, long queues have started forming at Daiso’s outlets islandwide ahead of the price hike. 8days.sg visited three outlets at Plaza Singapura, Square 2 at Novena and IMM and saw customers rushing to stock up on products. Particularly popular were the storage container section, as well as aisles with travel accessories (like gloves, beanies and pouches) and cleaning supplies.
Plaza Singapura
The line for the cashier at Plaza Singapura’s Daiso branch snaked all the way to the back of the store.
Square 2
The usually quiet Square 2 outlet is also bustling with customers.
IMM
At IMM, we noticed a definite air of panicked buying similar to the great Toilet Paper Rush of 2020 before the Circuit Breaker hit. Several shelves were also noticeably empty.
Photos: Yip Jieying
